Hiring the Perfect Pet Sitter

If you own a pet, chances are you might be faced with the need for someone reliable to look after your them in your absence.

Pet sitters care for your pet just as a babysitter cares for your child while you are gone. Pet sitters do much more than just provide food and water. A good pet sitter will look after your pet as you would yourself. A good pet sitter will provide exercise, playtime, attention, and also be aware if your pet needs veterinary care.

• People with exotic or particularly high maintenance pets will benefit from the services of an experienced pet sitter.

  
  

• Pet sitters will allow for the most positive experience your pets can have without you. They offer the added advantage of allowing your pets to stay in their own environment while you're gone. Your pet will be less stressed than if they were in one of the more traditional options for pets whose owners are away.

  
  

• Pet sitters provide one on one attention and the special care that your beloved pet will require in your absence.

Hiring a competent and reliable pet sitter will not only give you peace of mind while you are away. Your home is also a lot safer for your pets. You'll also have someone who will pick up the mail, water the plants, and check on the general welfare of your home.

It's worth the extra expense for the added peace of mind.

CHOOSING A PET SITTER

If you are going to go to the trouble to pay someone to look after your pet and home while you are gone, you will want to spend some time choosing the best pet sitter for you and your pet.

1. Make sure you see some qualifications.

   
   

2. Also make sure to ask for references, and follow up. This is the best way to get some idea of how reliable your pet sitter is. Glowing references are the best way to gauge which is the best pet sitter for your home.

   
   

3. You can start with an online search. You can also ask your veterinarian for a reference. The vet often knows who the best pet sitter in the area is.

   
   

4. It's best to line up a few different options. Arrange interviews with them all. Check to see how they interact with your animal. Many pet owners know that animals can be fussy too.

   
   

5. When interviewing your prospective pet sitter it's useful to see if the sitter asks a variety of questions as well. The pet sitter should be interested in any medical conditions your pet might have, likes, dislikes, allergies, interaction with other animals and humans, etc. If your sitter does not ask these questions, choose someone else who is genuinely concerned about the well being of your pet.

   
   

6. When choosing a pet sitter you don't want to take any chances. Pets are family. Also remember it's not just your pet who is vulnerable, it's the entire contents of your home too.

   
   

7. You can make things a bit easier for your pet sitter too. Buying extra pet food and treats, leaving clear instructions, and taking your pet for his regular checkups before you leave will ensure that things go smoothly. If you have a pet that is fussy or has a medical condition, make sure you leave clear instructions for the sitter as to how to handle the situation.

   
   

8. Also if you have a complicated alarm system or security system make sure to explain clearly to the sitter how to get in and out, and how to secure the property in your absence. Leave a copy of your keys with a trusted neighbor and explain that you will be away. You can never have too many people keeping their eyes open.

Now that you know your pet and home are being well looked after, all that's left to do is enjoy your vacation!